From Money to Mercy: The Writing of Death in Everyman

Abstract

This paper reexamines Everyman from the perspective of death and explores the philosophical insights about life that the work presents. By analyzing “the beginning of death—Money,” the article reveals human beings’ excessive reliance on material wealth and the moral crisis of medieval society. Through “the process of death—Separation,” it illustrates Everyman’s detachment from external entities and highlights the significance of the inner virtue of “Good Deeds.” Finally, in “the redemption in death—Mercy,” it explains how Everyman attains spiritual salvation through repentance, good deeds, and an understanding of God’s mercy. By portraying the experiences of Everyman, the play underscores that death is the key to divine mercy and redemption, exposes the illusory nature of material pursuits, and emphasizes that only repentance leads to salvation. Its reflections offer valuable insights for contemporary readers in understanding the relationship between life and death.